Journalism’s Loss Is Doheny’s Gain

I’m very sorry to pass along the news that Jude Seymour is departing the world of journalism to go to what we ink-stained cynics refer to as the “dark side”, accepting a job as the deputy campaign manager and spokesman for Matt Doheny’s 2012 congressional campaign.

Seymour, who dominated coverage of the historic 2009 special election that turned ex-Assemblywoman Dede Scozzafava’s last name into an adjective/verb, made the jump not long ago to TV (WWNY-TV 7) from the Watertown Times.

Now, he’s leaving the media world altogether to help Doheny in his second House bid. (Seymour’s last day in his current job is June 21).

“Jude is one of the best north country reporters, so I’m thrilled that he’ll soon be using his talents to help get me elected to Congress,” said Doheny.

“The public portion of the campaign won’t commence for many more months. In the meantime, Jude and I will be working hard to ensure that, come Election Day 2012, north country and Central New York residents know I am the right man for the job.”

Doheny actually sought the GOP nod in 2009 after President Obama sparked a special election in NY-23 by tapping former Rep. John McHugh to serve as secretary of the Army. The county leaders went with Scozzafava instead, but the Conservatives found her too moderate, and backed Doug Hoffman.

The Tea Partiers got on board with Hoffman, who split the GOP/Conservative vote with Scozzafava – even though she dropped out of the race and endorsed the Democrat, Bill Owens, her name remained on the ballot. Owens took that race – a major coup for the Obama administration, who needed his vote to pass health care reform.

Doheny defeated Hoffman in the 2010 GOP primary. In an ironic twist, Hoffman, who was again backed by the Conservatives, pulled out of the race and endorsed his erstwhile opponent, but not soon enough to get his name off of Row C. Owens beat Doheny in the general election.

Apparently, Doheny is up for a re-match. But who knows what the district will look like come 2012.